Crappie Action
Well, It’s that time again! I just got back from scouting to see if the lake ice has gone out and it has! Most of the ice and snow is now in the middle of the lake. This is the best time to fish spring crappies!
My favorite fishing technique for early ice-out crappies is to slip on a pair of waders and fish the shoreline. It’s a great way to enjoy fast black crappie action!
Early Ice-out
Most of the inner city lakes are developed and it’s sometimes tough to get to those crappie holes. That’s why I like to wear waders and slowly walk the shoreline. I’ll see a swirl of a crappie and with a quick flip of my line; it’s on!
The best technique for this type of fishing is artificial. It’s hard to fish live bait when your constantly moving and casting. It’s best to fish with a simple jig and slip bobber rig.
Lindy Little Nipper
I like to use Lindy’s Little nipper, about 1/16-ounce in size with a light action rod. My favorite jig color is black tail with a white jig head. I don’t know what it is about this color combination, but the crappies love it! Don’t forget to use a weighted slip bobber. The extra weight is needed if you plan to cast long distances. The little jig, alone, is simply not enough weight to cast.
Identified where the crappies are staging. This could be either in deep water (pre-spawn) or in the shallow dark-bottom bays where the water is warmest. Adjusted for depth and cast to your favorite crappie hole. I like to pop the bobber, as I slowly reel in the line. The popping sound simulates fallen prey and drives any holding crappies nuts and into a feeding frenzy. Before long, the bobber will disappear and you’ll feel the furious action of a nice slab crappie jerking at your line.
Get a group of friends together and try different depths. I promise you…this could be some of the best fishing all year!
FML Outdoors.com 
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